Known as Wally by his family in Minnesota, his relatives, in-laws, and friends in Alabama knew him only as "Lais." Lais was kind-hearted, with a ready smile and helping hand for everyone. He did maintanance work for a local hospital, and was handy with tools. He could fix pretty much anything, from cars to radios and TV's, antique clocks (of which he had a huge collection), and plumbing and electrical problems. He was a very friendly, outgoing person who never met a stranger. He was well known in the area, and had friends from teenagers to elderly dropping in frequently to chat, sample his latest homemade wine, or get help or advice on "fixing" something. Lais was an avid ham radio operator, frequently staying up late at night to catch "skip", so he could visit with other enthusiasts around the world.

Lais fought in WWII, and received a Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in Germany.

He was one of 13 children of Emil Raymond Lais and Katherine Susan Didier of Minnesota; his grandparents emigrated from Germany about 1872. Lais was the father of 5 children; his oldest son, Bobby, died in Vietnam.